APHASIA ID

Aphasia ID is a free online tool that allows people with aphasia and those who care about them to print out their own customized aphasia ID card which includes some basic information about aphasia as well as some tips to make comunication easier.

The Speechless team talked with Chad Ruble, the creator of Aphasia ID, who told us about the reasons why he started this interesting iniciative.

First of all, what is Aphasia ID?

Aphasia ID is a free online tool that allows people with aphasia and those who care about them to print out their own customized aphasia ID card that includes some basic information about aphasia as well as some comunications tips. Aphasia ID is about making it easier to navigate in person situations.

What did you inspire to made Aphasia ID?

I made it because my mother, Lindy Grant, has aphasia as the result of a stroke fourteen years ago. The aim is to avoid confusion for people when they encounter someone else who is not familiar with aphasia. A simple card that explains the condition can go a long way in avoiding some serious misunderstandings. I created the website so that my mom and people like her could have something that looked official.

When & why did you launched Aphasia ID?

I launched Aphasia ID in November of 2014. This was a very simple web-based project that I thought could make a different to people with aphasia and their families. I had heard all kinds of stories about people with aphasia having difficulties when they encounter someone who doesn't understand the condition. There are a lot of situations where confusion around aphasia can cause minor awkwardness to major misunderstandings. I have heard of people with aphasia being accused of being drunk because of their speech difficulties.

Do yo think people know enough about aphasia?

Most people do not know about aphasia until they are directly impacted by it either personally or through a loved one or friend. More and more, we are seeing portrayals of people with aphasia in the media. Hodor from Game of Thrones is an example. And people are just starting to call it by its clinical name. But aphasia is an under-understood condition. I am glad you are making a documentary to help people have a better understanding about this condition!

How much it cost and where people can get it?

Aphasia ID is free and very easy to use. You can make your own Aphasia ID at www.aphasiaid.com

Any future project?

I started Tapgram, which is a messaging tool designed for people with aphasia. Also, I'm currently working on a digital version of Aphasia ID that will be available soon. The digital version will allow for a picture as well as a link to a communication partner.

What do you hope for people with aphasia?

I hope that our increased understanding of the brain will yield more treatments to help people who suffer from aphasia. Also, that advanced technological tools will help people bridge the gap between what they want to say and what they are able to say.